Headlines for Thursday, March 14, 2013

The Edwards County Enhanced 911 system is now fully operational. Work on the system began in November of 2008 after voters approved a $2.50 per month fee on their phone bill. John Griswold serves as Edwards County’s E-911 director.

27-year-old Zachary Powell of Grayville has been sentenced to 3 ½ years in prison after pleading guilty in White County Circuit Court of a felony charge of unlawful delivery of marijuana. White County State’s Attorney Denton Aud dropped a lesser drug charge in exchange for Powell’s guilty plea. Earlier this month, Powell entered a guilty plea in Edwards County to a charge of theft over $500 and drew another 3 ½ year prison sentence.

Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s opposition to high volume hydraulic fracturing in Southern Illinois may have little sway over lawmaker’s decision to approve the practice. More than 50 house members have already signed on to a bill that would regulate the practice. Oil companies have already spent more than $150 million leasing up land in 12 Southern Illinois counties to develop the New Albany Shale formation.

Illinois lawmakers continue their efforts to draft a concealed carry bill. One proposal would require people to register all handguns. Licensed dealers would have to register the guns on behalf of the buyer within 20 days. Republican lawmakers say the concealed carry hearing process is maligned and flawed. Lawmakers have until June 9 to come up with a concealed carry bill.

The Fairfield FFA had a successful night at the District 5 Science Fair at Benton Wednesday night. Jace Munsell in Emerging Ag Technology, Katie Liston in Ag science Plant Systems and Lea Carter in Ag Science Integrated Systems placed first and will advance to State competition at the U of I April 6. Pictured above – front l-r Katie Liston, Mariah Miller, and Leah Carter. Back row – l-r Harold Austin, Dalton Smothers, Clayton Titzer, Jaymin Gregory, and Jace Munselle

Eric Schumm placed first in Grain Production for the Wayne City FFA during District 5 competition Wednesday night. He advances to the State Awards Day April 6 at the U of I.

Frontier Community College is hosting its annual Senior Citizens Day next Friday, March 22 from 8 – 3 in the Workforce Development Center. Wayne Hart, Chief Meteorologist for WEHT TV in Evansville will be on hand to discuss weather patterns.